Kitsilano
Neighbourhood
Snapshot
Surf‑ski sunrises, seawall bike lanes, and patio brunches shape everyday life in Kits. Locals stretch at Kits Pool, shop organic on West Broadway, stroll the Arbutus Greenway, then unwind with sunset yoga on the beach—all while downtown’s skyline glitters across English Bay. Casual, healthy, and endlessly walkable.
Population
Median Age
Walk Score
Transit Score
Eat, Drink & Explore
Overview
Kitsilano real estate has always meant a front‑row seat to Vancouver’s signature lifestyle—think sunrise paddles on English Bay followed by an espresso on West 4th, all before your eight‑minute bike commute downtown. Beyond the laid‑back beach reputation, Kits is one of the city’s most established neighbourhoods, with roots stretching back to its Indigenous village of Sen̓ákw and the bohemian surge of the 1960s. Today, Kitsilano properties range from lovingly restored Craftsman houses to sleek glass‑clad view condos, all tied together by tree‑lined streets fragrant with summer jasmine. With a Walk Score of 92, the area rewards those who prefer two wheels or two feet, while cafés, yoga studios, and boutique grocers ensure you rarely need to venture far for daily essentials.
Location & Boundaries
Kitsilano occupies Vancouver’s west side, hugging the southern shore of English Bay between Burrard Street to the east and Alma Street to the west. Sixteenth Avenue forms the southern edge; northward, Cornwall Avenue and the waterfront frame its famed sand. Downtown sits an easy drive or ferry ride across Burrard Bridge, while Granville Island’s markets beckon just ten minutes by bike. Bus routes 99 B‑Line, 4, 7, and 14 carve efficient east‑west and north‑south corridors, and two stations on the forthcoming Broadway Subway (Arbutus and Macdonald) will drop riders into the heart of the neighbourhood by 2027.
Housing & Pricing
South of West Broadway, leafy single‑family lots feature classic character façades—many now transformed into duplexes, laneway homes, or strata townhouses that respect Kits’ village scale while adding gentle density. Closer to the beach, low‑rise wood‑frame apartments from the 1960s share blocks with boutique concrete builds showcasing million‑dollar sunset views. New four‑to‑six‑storey mid‑rises cluster around the planned SkyTrain stations, offering elevator living steps from transit. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or searching for homes for sale in Kitsilano with investment upside, the neighbourhood’s housing mix covers the full spectrum.
Detached inventory is perpetually tight—often fewer than 50 active listings—so renovated Craftsman and Edwardian houses routinely command premiums above $2 million. At the more attainable end, one‑bedroom condos in older walk‑ups begin around the mid‑$500 000s, while presale boutique units with contemporary finishes and air‑conditioning frequently exceed $1 million. Recent laneway homes fetch prices similar to entry‑level townhomes, underlining that land—not built form—drives value here.
Transit & Accessibility
With a Transit Score of 74, Kitsilano already performs admirably for a low‑rise pocket of Vancouver West. The RapidBus 99 B‑Line delivers riders to UBC in 12 minutes and downtown in 15, while the 2 and 22 buses offer late‑night links over Burrard Bridge. Dedicated bike lanes on Burrard and the Off‑Broadway route, plus the traffic‑free Arbutus Greenway, put commuting time firmly under human‑power control. When the Broadway Subway opens, SkyTrain service will whisk residents to the Canada Line in under five minutes and to Commercial–Broadway in under 12, embedding future value into local addresses.
Parks & Recreation
The search for the “best parks in Kitsilano” inevitably starts with world‑renowned Kitsilano Beach Park—home to the 137‑metre Kits Pool, North America’s longest salt‑water pool, and volleyball courts that crackle with energy from dawn to dusk. Vanier Park to the east hosts the Museum of Vancouver, the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, and Bard on the Beach, while Connaught and Tatlow parks provide tranquil green pockets inland. Add an 8.5‑kilometre leg of the Arbutus Greenway and you have a neighbourhood purpose‑built for runners, cyclists, dog walkers, and sunset seekers alike.
Schools & Amenities
Families prize the catchment for top‑ranked Kitsilano Secondary and elementary stalwarts Henry Hudson, General Gordon, and Lord Tennyson (French Immersion). Private options such as St. John’s and Fraser Academy sit just outside the boundary. Retail therapy divides neatly between West 4th—birthplace of Lululemon and a hotspot for outdoor gear—and West Broadway’s Greektown strip of delis, bakeries, and late‑night souvlaki. On weekends, the Kits Farmers Market at Riley Park shakes out organic produce and artisanal treats, while indie bookstores and micro‑roasters keep culture caffeinated year‑round.
Market Trends & Data
Despite a relatively quiet spring, demand for well‑located condos remains resilient. Metro‑wide, benchmark apartment pricing eased only marginally, and Vancouver West—where Kits is a key sub‑market—continues to attract premium bids. June figures place the benchmark apartment price at $748 400 (REBGV 2025‑06), while two‑bedroom Kits units regularly close 5–10 % higher thanks to water views and beach proximity.
Detached activity has softened alongside interest‑rate uncertainty, yet record‑low inventory means most character houses still exchange above $2 million. Analysts projecting out to 2026 anticipate that “Kitsilano condo prices 2025” will stabilise for the next 12 months before a moderate uptick aligned with the new rapid‑transit launch.
Key Takeaways
- Lifestyle first: Beach, bike lanes, yoga studios, and cafés deliver the quintessential Pacific‑coast live‑work‑play formula.
- Diverse housing: From entry‑level walk‑ups to penthouses with postcard views, Kitsilano properties adapt to singles, families, and downsizers alike.
- Transit‑driven upside: The forthcoming Broadway Subway is poised to compress travel times and reinforce demand.
- Community spirit: Weekly farmers markets, the Khatsahlano Street Party, and Greek Day on Broadway keep neighbours connected.
FAQs
Is Kitsilano suitable for car‑free living?
Absolutely. A Walk Score of 92 and comprehensive bus routes mean daily errands rarely require four wheels. The future SkyTrain will only improve matters.
What is the rental market like?
Vacancy remains below 1 %, and renovated one‑bedroom suites in classic walk‑ups often rent above $2 300 per month, reflecting heavy demand from UBC students and young professionals.
How competitive are detached home sales?
Inventory is thin, and character homes north of Broadway frequently receive multiple offers. Engage an experienced agent and secure financing early.
Need personalised real‑estate advice for Kitsilano? Reach out any time.
This guide is for educational purposes only. Statistics, prices, and scores are believed accurate at time of writing but may change without notice. Nothing here is legal or financial advice—always verify information and consult qualified professionals before acting.
Overview
Kitsilano real estate has always meant a front‑row seat to Vancouver’s signature lifestyle—think sunrise paddles on English Bay followed by an espresso on West 4th, all before your eight‑minute bike commute downtown. Beyond the laid‑back beach reputation, Kits is one of the city’s most established neighbourhoods, with roots stretching back to its Indigenous village of Sen̓ákw and the bohemian surge of the 1960s. Today, Kitsilano properties range from lovingly restored Craftsman houses to sleek glass‑clad view condos, all tied together by tree‑lined streets fragrant with summer jasmine. With a Walk Score of 92, the area rewards those who prefer two wheels or two feet, while cafés, yoga studios, and boutique grocers ensure you rarely need to venture far for daily essentials.
Location & Boundaries
Kitsilano occupies Vancouver’s west side, hugging the southern shore of English Bay between Burrard Street to the east and Alma Street to the west. Sixteenth Avenue forms the southern edge; northward, Cornwall Avenue and the waterfront frame its famed sand. Downtown sits an easy drive or ferry ride across Burrard Bridge, while Granville Island’s markets beckon just ten minutes by bike. Bus routes 99 B‑Line, 4, 7, and 14 carve efficient east‑west and north‑south corridors, and two stations on the forthcoming Broadway Subway (Arbutus and Macdonald) will drop riders into the heart of the neighbourhood by 2027.
Housing & Pricing
South of West Broadway, leafy single‑family lots feature classic character façades—many now transformed into duplexes, laneway homes, or strata townhouses that respect Kits’ village scale while adding gentle density. Closer to the beach, low‑rise wood‑frame apartments from the 1960s share blocks with boutique concrete builds showcasing million‑dollar sunset views. New four‑to‑six‑storey mid‑rises cluster around the planned SkyTrain stations, offering elevator living steps from transit. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or searching for homes for sale in Kitsilano with investment upside, the neighbourhood’s housing mix covers the full spectrum.
Detached inventory is perpetually tight—often fewer than 50 active listings—so renovated Craftsman and Edwardian houses routinely command premiums above $2 million. At the more attainable end, one‑bedroom condos in older walk‑ups begin around the mid‑$500 000s, while presale boutique units with contemporary finishes and air‑conditioning frequently exceed $1 million. Recent laneway homes fetch prices similar to entry‑level townhomes, underlining that land—not built form—drives value here.
Transit & Accessibility
With a Transit Score of 74, Kitsilano already performs admirably for a low‑rise pocket of Vancouver West. The RapidBus 99 B‑Line delivers riders to UBC in 12 minutes and downtown in 15, while the 2 and 22 buses offer late‑night links over Burrard Bridge. Dedicated bike lanes on Burrard and the Off‑Broadway route, plus the traffic‑free Arbutus Greenway, put commuting time firmly under human‑power control. When the Broadway Subway opens, SkyTrain service will whisk residents to the Canada Line in under five minutes and to Commercial–Broadway in under 12, embedding future value into local addresses.
Parks & Recreation
The search for the “best parks in Kitsilano” inevitably starts with world‑renowned Kitsilano Beach Park—home to the 137‑metre Kits Pool, North America’s longest salt‑water pool, and volleyball courts that crackle with energy from dawn to dusk. Vanier Park to the east hosts the Museum of Vancouver, the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, and Bard on the Beach, while Connaught and Tatlow parks provide tranquil green pockets inland. Add an 8.5‑kilometre leg of the Arbutus Greenway and you have a neighbourhood purpose‑built for runners, cyclists, dog walkers, and sunset seekers alike.
Schools & Amenities
Families prize the catchment for top‑ranked Kitsilano Secondary and elementary stalwarts Henry Hudson, General Gordon, and Lord Tennyson (French Immersion). Private options such as St. John’s and Fraser Academy sit just outside the boundary. Retail therapy divides neatly between West 4th—birthplace of Lululemon and a hotspot for outdoor gear—and West Broadway’s Greektown strip of delis, bakeries, and late‑night souvlaki. On weekends, the Kits Farmers Market at Riley Park shakes out organic produce and artisanal treats, while indie bookstores and micro‑roasters keep culture caffeinated year‑round.
Market Trends & Data
Despite a relatively quiet spring, demand for well‑located condos remains resilient. Metro‑wide, benchmark apartment pricing eased only marginally, and Vancouver West—where Kits is a key sub‑market—continues to attract premium bids. June figures place the benchmark apartment price at $748 400 (REBGV 2025‑06), while two‑bedroom Kits units regularly close 5–10 % higher thanks to water views and beach proximity.
Detached activity has softened alongside interest‑rate uncertainty, yet record‑low inventory means most character houses still exchange above $2 million. Analysts projecting out to 2026 anticipate that “Kitsilano condo prices 2025” will stabilise for the next 12 months before a moderate uptick aligned with the new rapid‑transit launch.
Key Takeaways
- Lifestyle first: Beach, bike lanes, yoga studios, and cafés deliver the quintessential Pacific‑coast live‑work‑play formula.
- Diverse housing: From entry‑level walk‑ups to penthouses with postcard views, Kitsilano properties adapt to singles, families, and downsizers alike.
- Transit‑driven upside: The forthcoming Broadway Subway is poised to compress travel times and reinforce demand.
- Community spirit: Weekly farmers markets, the Khatsahlano Street Party, and Greek Day on Broadway keep neighbours connected.
FAQs
Is Kitsilano suitable for car‑free living?
Absolutely. A Walk Score of 92 and comprehensive bus routes mean daily errands rarely require four wheels. The future SkyTrain will only improve matters.
What is the rental market like?
Vacancy remains below 1 %, and renovated one‑bedroom suites in classic walk‑ups often rent above $2 300 per month, reflecting heavy demand from UBC students and young professionals.
How competitive are detached home sales?
Inventory is thin, and character homes north of Broadway frequently receive multiple offers. Engage an experienced agent and secure financing early.
Need personalised real‑estate advice for Kitsilano? Reach out any time.
This guide is for educational purposes only. Statistics, prices, and scores are believed accurate at time of writing but may change without notice. Nothing here is legal or financial advice—always verify information and consult qualified professionals before acting.
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